Shola Ameobi helps to get the Newcastle United party started

Newcastle 2 Nottm Forest 0

Courtesy of a left and a right boot, Newcastle United have one foot back in the Barclays Premier League. St James’ Park witnessed a fiercely contested victory last night, but the damage inflicted on Nottingham Forest was significant. Should results fall Newcastle’s way then promotion will be ratified for Chris Hughton’s team this weekend.

In truth, the party has already started. Shola Ameobi’s ninth goal of an injury-ravaged season arrived at an opportune moment, when Forest had been inching towards second-half domination. His intervention prompted relief, while Jos? Enrique’s first goal for the club in the final, delirious moments took the gap between first third in the Coca-Cola Championship to 13 points.